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Re: Adding productive leadoff man is Reds' top priority

Originally Posted by M2

The Reds need OB. If it comes attached to power great. If it comes attached to speed, that's fine too. And Phillips' main offensive value is putting the ball in play with runners on base. He's a better #2 hitter than a #1 hitter.

Plus, it's time the Reds gave Dusty what he wants. He wants a CF who can hit leadoff. Stubbs can't do it, at least not vs. RHPs. Time to get someone who can.

I think this is an excellent point. Jocketty, for the most part, pays attention to and does well in the area of synergy, chemistry, etc. He pursues players who work well with other players. I don't believe the Reds were at all deficient in that area, and I think that aspect of the roster served them well. But the same dynamic operates in the manager-GM relationship. The manager and GM have to complement each other. As M2 said, Dusty is absolutely a champion of the CF/leadoff type. To make him the best manager he can be, it's incumbent upon Jocketty to supply that player. He tried with Patterson and Taveras, but not hard or effectively enough. Dusty attempted to force the issue with Stubbs, and it was an unsightly mismatch. Given the job Dusty did this year, and the contract extension, it's absolutely time that he is afforded the type of player he prefers to work with at the top of the lineup.

Re: Adding productive leadoff man is Reds' top priority

When I read the article on Reds.com they sounded like that the Reds are going to keep Stubbs. If stubbs is back I would think hes our starting CF(Im guessing what the front office brass is thinking). That means if they really are looking for a leadoff hitter than that guy will have to play LF. This also means no Luddy. With that situation we may end up with a decent leadoff hitter but then we wont have the middle of the order bat to protect our 2 LH hitters. Basically what Im saying is that we still need Luddy if the money is right to hit 4th and Id love to pick up a Crisp or even Span to play the CF position and bat leadoff. If the Reds really want to keep Stubbs he would have to be our 4th OF because if he starts this team will be without either a good leadoff hitter or a middle of the order bat. I also think that with the extensions 2 of our pitchers need and the money we have already spent in the lineup paying for Luddy and a good leadoff hitter may be pushing it. Hopefully Castellini can push the budget up just a little. IMO I look for Pierre to be signed and Phillips to bat 4th all year. Just my 2 cents

Re: Adding productive leadoff man is Reds' top priority

But, if the Reds are insistent on getting a leadoff hitter, then trading for Shin Soo Choo is my number 1 target and plop him down in left.

Yes, I agree.
It sure would be nice to get a CF with a high OBP, but supposedly they were asking a king's ransom for Span.. If we are going to pay through the nose, I'd rather do it on a guy like Choo. Hopefully the Indians are in tear down mode this winter.

And yes, I'm also more worried about replacing Ludwick's production than I am in upgrading CF.

Thank you Walt and Bob for going for it in 2010-2014!

Nov. 13, 2007: One of the greatest days in Reds history: John Allen gets the boot!

Re: Adding productive leadoff man is Reds' top priority

I don't see any urgency to acquire a leadoff hitter. We already have one in Brandon Phillips. Just get a good CF period. If he just so happens to fit the profile of a leadoff man, fine. But the front office should lock themselves into certain requirements and pass on other available productive guys just because they aren't fast.

Luckily, I don't see them as the type to do that.

They don't think it be like it is, but it do.

Originally Posted by Larry Schuler

He has also taught me that even when the Reds win it is important to focus on the fact that they could have lost.

Re: Adding productive leadoff man is Reds' top priority

Fay reported just yesterday that the Reds won't be big players in free agency. Has something come out since yesterday afternoon that says otherwise?

LOL, I like Fay and the beat writers, they perform a great service for Reds fans, but they report virtually EVERY year that the Reds won't be players for free agents.

I haven't fully researched it but I was waiting for yesterday's statement in Fay's blog -- and, as expected, it came.

On November 19, 2011 Fay's blog was entitled "Reds unlikely to do much as far as free agency."

On November 16, 2010, Fay wrote "Jocketty: Reds may not sign outside FAs."

On November 19, 2009, MLB.com (Sheldon) had a piece "Reds won't be busy in free agency. General Manager Jocketty doesn't expect to be active."

Maybe it all comes from Walt, I don't know. I'm sure the beat writers and Jocketty fully believe the statements. But I just can't take these as ironclad, they are just routine statements that show up every year.

Re: Adding productive leadoff man is Reds' top priority

Originally Posted by Kc61

LOL, I like Fay, he performs a great service for Reds fans, but he reports virtually EVERY year that the Reds won't be players for free agents.

.

Yep, last year, the word on the street was that the Reds had no money.
Yet they pulled in Madson, surprising everyone.
Marshall was acquired and extended (another expensive add)
Ludwick wasn't super pricey, but also a notable signing.

I don't expect a huge spending spree, but I think there's some budget room to add talent (maybe through a trade, but money there).. I have faith in Cast.

Thank you Walt and Bob for going for it in 2010-2014!

Nov. 13, 2007: One of the greatest days in Reds history: John Allen gets the boot!

Re: Adding productive leadoff man is Reds' top priority

The Dbacks are shopping outfielders this offseason.

"This isnít stats vs scouts - this is stats and scouts working together, building an organization that blends the best of both worlds. This is the blueprint for how a baseball organization should be run. And, whether the baseball men of the 20th century like it or not, this is where baseball is going."---Dave Cameron, U.S.S. Mariner

Re: Adding productive leadoff man is Reds' top priority

Based on all the facts, I would try to sign Pierre to a 1 year deal if he'll bite. I think it's the best option for next season and pray that Hamilton is ready by 2014.

Span is sort of intriguing, but what would it take to get him? He may only truly be needed be needed for 1 year of his 3 years left on his deal. The last year of his deal (2015), he starts to get pretty expensive comparatively speaking and I don't think anyone would trade much for him at that point. He obviously does get on base well and plays good defense, but he had a breakout year in 2012 with all the doubles he had. Can he keep that up?

He's signed through 2014 (13:$4.75M, 14:$6.5M), with a club option for 2015 ($9M).

The Twins have depth in the OF position within their system. They're hurting for starting pitching. What could we offer them that may be appealing to them?

A deal like this would be great IMO. You've got him signed through 2014, which coincides with Hamilton's projected entrance. It fills a need, and buys you some time at no great cost. And if nothing else, could he be moved to LF?

Re: Adding productive leadoff man is Reds' top priority

Originally Posted by REDREAD

Yes, I agree.
It sure would be nice to get a CF with a high OBP, but supposedly they were asking a king's ransom for Span.. If we are going to pay through the nose, I'd rather do it on a guy like Choo. Hopefully the Indians are in tear down mode this winter.

You'd rather pay through the nose for one year of a corner OF (Choo) rather than 3 years of a CF?

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